Trip Planner: Asia / Laos / Vientiane Province / Vientiane / Sightseeing / Black Stupa (That Dam)

Black Stupa (That Dam), Vientiane

2.4

#6 of 26 in Sightseeing in Vientiane

Monument Tourist Spot

Legend has it that Black Stupa (That Dam) contains a dormant, seven-headed serpent, who guarded the city against the Siamese invasion in the 19th century. Located at the center of a roundabout, the monument is believed to have been built in the 16th century, and was once plated in gold before looters took its precious exterior, leaving it with the bare brick you see today. Stop by for a look at the stupa on your way to one of the nearby restaurants and bars. For Black Stupa (That Dam) and beyond, use our Vientiane family vacation planner to get the most from your Vientiane vacation.

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Where to stay in Vientiane

Pretty little Vientiane offers a good range of accommodations, with most either mid-range or upmarket hotels by national standards. Close to the riverfront sit the grandest of the bunch, with newly built high-rise hotels and boutiques set in old French colonial buildings. Move away from the water a little to find some standard, unassuming hotels, mixed in with a few more boutiques and high-rises overlooking the prettier plazas and along the main boulevards. For budget options, look at the guesthouses and hostels on the side streets around Rue Setthathilath, but make sure to reserve your room early to avoid disappointment.

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373 reviews

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3.6

June J

We were walking back from Patuxai to the city center, made a little detour and found this Stupa near the American Embassy. Something nice but not a must, if you missed it in Vientiane, it's ok. more »
SarahSchad

Not an amazing landmark but worth a look when passing by. This stupa was apparently once covered in gold but that all got stolen a long time ago. Now it's covered in grass / moss so it seems. Lots of ... more »
krida802000

That Dam is a part of tale of Vientiane. Now it is a historical site surrounding by Pizza shop, coffee shop and nearby the old American Embassy.A few tourist visit this place in Summer day. more »

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Oliver Ward

Interesting area of town. A nice quiet place to contemplate things. That Dam has a more authentic feel to it - it is not well kept.

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Tara ntula

interesting early temple mound in the middle of vientiane. nice place to stop for a few minutes and relax. there was an entire village/city like this, probably similar to Chiang Mai Thailand, was here at one time. in the area are a few murals on adjacent streets, rues, on the walls that are interesting. if you walk around this area towards the morning market the and C.O.P.E. center you will see many; take the side streets as they tend not to be on the main avenues.

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Paul Rimmer

We walked past it on the way to the Patuxay monument. Not much to see other than this old stuppa. Wouldn't bother if you had to go out of your way.

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Art C

Walk around it. It's a historic spot. But a few cafes and restaurants around here to enjoy your coffee too.

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尹航

A little ugly, to be honest

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Black Stupa (That Dam), Vientiane

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June J

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